Cosopt

Common Name: dorzolamide - timolol (eye drops)

How does Cosopt work?

Dorzolamide is a member of the family of drugs known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Timolol is a member of the family of drugs known as beta-blockers. Increased pressure in the eye can cause a condition known as glaucoma. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and beta-blockers are used in eye drop form to lower increased eye pressure. Dorzolamide is available in eye drop form only. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, please ask your doctor.

How should I use Cosopt?

The recommended adult dose of dorzolamide plus timolol eye drops is one drop in the affected eye(s) two times daily. Dorzolamide plus timolol eye drops should be used at least 10 minutes before or after other eye drops that are being used. To use the eye drops: First wash your hands. Twist off and discard the transparent protective overcap. (The protective overcap guarantees an intact package.) Unscrew the coloured cap. Tilt your head back and look towards the ceiling. With the index finger, gently pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Apply 1 drop into the pouch but do not allow the tip of the container to touch the eye or areas around the eye. Apply pressure with the index finger to the inside corner of the eye for one to two minutes. This will prevent the eyedrop from dripping down through the tear duct. Repeat with the other eye, if prescribed by your physician. Wash your hands again to remove any medication. Replace the coloured cap. It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a different dose than the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

What form(s) does Cosopt come in?

Cosopt® eye drops are available as a solution containing dorzolamide 20 mg and timolol 5 mg per 1 mL of sterile solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients include sodium citrate, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium hydroxide, mannitol, and water for injection. Benzalkonium chloride has been added as a preservative.

What should I NOT take with Cosopt?

Dorzolamide plus timolol eye drops should not be used by people who: are allergic to any of the ingredients have bronchospasm, including bronchial asthma, or a history of bronchial asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (e.g., chronic bronchitis, emphysema) have heart problems that include an extremely low heart rate, second or third degree heart block, overt heart failure or cardiogenic shock (shock due to heart-related causes) have severe kidney impairment take carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide) by mouth.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Cosopt?

General: As with other topically applied eye drops, this drug may be absorbed into the blood circulation. The same side effects reported with oral medications from the families known as beta-blockers (e.g., timolol, propranolol, metoprolol) or sulfonamides (e.g., sulfamethoxazole) may occur with the eye drops. Occupational hazards: Side effects such as blurred vision may affect the ability to drive and operate machinery. Allergy: Dorzolamide belongs to the family of drugs known as sulfonamides or 'sulfas'. The same type of allergic reaction can occur with this medication as with other sulfonamides. Stop using the drug if serious reactions or allergic reactions occur. Liver function: This medication has not been studied in people with liver function impairment and therefore should be used with caution in these people. Muscle weakness: Beta-blockers such as timolol have been reported to increase muscle weakness associated with certain symptoms (e.g., double-vision, generalized weakness). Contact lenses: Dorzolamide plus timolol eye drops have not been tested with the use of contact lenses. The preservative used in the eye drops (benzalkonium chloride) may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Contact lenses should be removed before insertion of the eye drops and not reinserted for at least 15 minutes. Eye infections, trauma: Anyone using this medication who has had trauma to the eye or who suspects eye infection should contact their doctor concerning further use of the eye drop. Low blood sugar: Dorzolamide should be used with caution in people who are prone to low blood sugar or people with diabetes. Pregnancy: The safety of dorzolamide plus timolol eye drops during pregnancy has not been established. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the potential risks to the unborn child. Breast-feeding: It is not known whether dorzolamide is excreted in breast milk. Timolol is excreted in breast milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made to stop nursing or stop the medication based on the importance of the medication to the mother. Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established in children.